The Uruguyan international has notched 16 goals in just 17 Serie A appearances so far this season, and has added a further nine in seven domestic and European cup games to take his tally to 25 goals in 24 outings.

And the Arsenal manager stepped up his certainty of a contract extension being signed by the England international on Thursday by adding: ""My optimism [regarding Walcott's new deal] is at 99 per cent now."

Reports have suggested that the England international was after a clause in his contract guaranteeing him more chances to play as the central striker, after being used mainly as a winger during his time with Arsenal, but Wenger has denied those claims.